Electoral thresholds signify the minimum percentage of votes a party must achieve to gain representation in a legislative body. These thresholds are critical in shaping the political landscape by influencing party strategies and the number of parties represented in a legislature. Higher thresholds can lead to a less fragmented political system, encouraging the consolidation of parties and potentially stabilizing governance. Conversely, lower thresholds allow for greater diversity in representation, enabling smaller parties to gain footholds in government. Understanding electoral thresholds is essential for analyzing electoral system design and its implications for democratic representation.